top of page
-
Are you open?Yes! I am really excited to announce that from January 2022, I am back open for business! My heart goes out to all my wonderful clients for their continued patience, understanding, loyalty and support in these unpredictable times. I have been working hard behind the scenes to make sure I'm ready to welcome clients in a safe and controlled environment. Therefore, I am now working with a limited availability from my home clinic only. Due to the unreliability of the pandemic, I currently cannot return to the Sports Centre. However, I'm delighted that my home studio premises is kitted out and ready to welcome clients! If you're interested in booking an appointment, please have a look around my website to find any information you might need, then click the 'Book Online' button to see my current availability, and reserve a slot at a time/date that suits you.
-
Do I need to book an appointment?Yes, you will need to make an appointment with Louisa. All bookings are now done online. Click here to see my current availability. Please be mindful upon booking that I have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
-
Do I need to arrive early?I would suggest it is probably best to arrive about 5 minutes before your appointment time, so that you’re not rushed trying to find us. However, please note that my home studio clinic currently does not have a dedicated indoor waiting area OR toilet facilities, so please try to arrive as close to your appointment time as possible and ensure you have been to the toilet before you arrive. If you do happen to arrive early, there is a wooden bench just outside my home studio, sitting in the shade of a beautiful hanging willow tree, pond and rockery. If it's raining, I have a cushioned bench on the undercover veranda of my home studio cabin. Please feel free to relax in either of these spaces until Louisa comes out to meet you for your treatment to begin. There is also a lovely open green space (Kingston Village green) directly opposite my home studio. From my studio cabin, you cross the road, hop over the fence/style, and it is nestled just behind The Juggs Pub car park. In the summertime, it's a perfect spot to chill out post-massage, with your yoga mat and a flask of herbal tea!
-
Where are you based?Due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, I am now focusing on providing home treatments from a safe and controlled space at my home studio clinic, rather than at the Sports Centre. But don't worry - I haven't moved far... My new premises is only a 7 minute drive from the Sussex University Sports Centre! My home studio is located in the heart of the South Downs - in the small village of Kingston near Lewes, East Sussex. (Postcode Bn7 3jz) It is a blue, wooden cabin nestled in the front garden - completely isolated and separate from the house. Accessible by bus - Bus times? the nearest train stations are falmer, or lewes - or if coming by car, there is free, available parking in the driveway. See my Contact page for more information. toilet facilities? Please note, my home studio is a private cabin, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, unfortunately I cannot let clients into my family home to use the toilet facilities. Please ensure you have been before you arrive
-
What measures do you have in place for the Coronavirus pandemic?As a health registered business, Louisa has enhanced on her already comprehensive infection control procedures to manage the risks of Coronavirus. She will oversee all health and safety measures to ensure the highest standards are met at all times, risk factors are minimised and advice from Public Health England is adhered to. More information on protective measures can be found via Louisa's specific Covid-19page in the main menu.
-
How do I book an appointment?If you're interested in booking an appointment, please have a look around my website to find any information you might need. Click the 'Book Online' button to see my current availability, and reserve a slot at a time/date that suits you. Once you've chosen a slot and submitted your contact details, I will send you an email as soon as I can with payment details and an Online Consultation / Follow Up Form for you to fill in prior to your appointment. Please note, the consultation form needs to be filled out BEFORE you attend your appointment. If you arrive having not completed the online consultation forms, I cannot let you into my treatment room until this has been submitted, which may eat into your treatment time.
-
How has Covid-19 affected your practice?As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, appointments will be running slightly differently. ALL appointments will now be located at my home studio clinic, rather than the Sports Centre, and before you attend your appointment you will need to submit an ONLINE Covid-19 Screening Form, and an ONLINE Pre-Appointment Health Consent Form. As a fully qualified and professional Sports Massage therapist, I was already thoroughly trained to work to the highest of hygiene standards in a clinical setting, even before the Covid-19 pandemic! So, many of the cleaning and sanitising procedures were already in place in my clinics. However, after being closed for over a year due to the pandemic, I have drawn up a brand new shiny Covid-19 Risk Assessment and implemented some changes such as: - I will be in full PPE - I am only taking bookings from my home studio clinic, not at the Sports Centre - Appointments are now spaced AT LEAST 60 minutes apart (if not longer) to allow time for thorough ventilation and enhanced sanitisation - The treatment couch is fully cleaned and disinfected between clients (standard practice anway!) - Hand sanitiser is available for you to use before/after you leave the treatment room (standard practice anyway!) - All linen is replaced between clients and washed at 60 degrees (standard practice!) - Enhancing my clinic cleaning routines in order to limit the spread of infection - ALL doorhandles and equipment is now fully cleaned and disinfected between clients - I have now moved my consultation and consent forms online which means you will fill them in before your appointment in order to minimise face-to-face contact time - Your contactless temperature will be taken on arrival - Regardless of the temperature outside, you can ask for the window to be left open throughout your appointment if it would make you feel more comfortable. Please just ask! (In the summertime, the window is most likely to be open anyway) - All clients are asked confirm they have no symptoms for at least 7 days prior to their appointments and face masks are to be worn at all times unless lying on the treatment table. I have also been trained and certified in "Infection Prevention and Control","HandHygiene", "Respiratory", and "PPE" by the World Health Organisation to gain as much knowledge as I can to ensure I run a safe and effective practice. Please see my Covid-19 page for further details on my updated precautionary measures, and make sure you read and familiarise yourself with the new changes. This will help me make sure appointments run as smoothly and safely as possible! I have done my upmost to ensure that my home studio clinic is a relaxing, but also a safe and controlled space to welcome my clients into. However, if you have any questions, queries, or suggestions as to how I can make your experience more comfortable at all, please do get in touch. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during the pandemic!
-
I need to cancel my appointment! What is your cancellation policy?I know that sometimes the unexpected pops up and you can't make an appointment. We're all human! We are all busy, and life happens. Trying to juggle life's responsibilities can be overwhelming sometimes. I t o t a l l y get it. All I ask is that if you can't make your allotted treatment time, please let me know with at least24 hours notice. This should give me enough time to shuffle things around and contact another client who may be waiting/in need. We can also reschedule your appointment to a more suitable time/date for you. Any less than 24 hours notice then unfortunately charges may still apply to cover my running costs, income loss, and wasted time. Don't panic! I will send you a reminder email 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time, just in case you've mis-placed your diary! No-shows will be charged the full treatment amount. * * *If you find that you are unwell, poorly, displaying symptoms of infectious ailments or illnesses (including Covid-19 symptoms) or any of the contraindications listed here - massage will not be what your body needs if you are unwell! It could potentially make you feel worse whilst your body and immune system is fighting off illness. It could also put Louisa and potentially her other clients at risk! So if you are feeling unwell or have any contagious ailments, please stay away from the clinic until you are feeling better and symptom free. There is of course, no cancellation charge for this. Simply let Louisa know as soon as you possibly can, and reschedule your appointment - following the link on your booking confirmation email.* * * Appointment Cancellation/No Show Policy Our goal is to provide quality individualised care in a timely manner. “No Shows” and late cancellations inconvenience those individuals who are in need of medical treatment. We would like to remind you of our clinic policy regarding missed appointments. Cancellation of an Appointment In order to be respectful of the needs of other patients, please call Bodylogics promptly if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. We require that you call twenty-four (24) hours in advance of a working day* or email us to cancel. Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation will give another person the possibility to receive care in a timely manner. *Please note that Sunday does not count as a working day and the deadline for receiving Saturday cancellations is 5:00pm. As a courtesy, we will email you forty-eight (48) hours in advance to confirm your appointment and also twenty-four hours before via SMS. If you are not able to keep your appointment, we will be happy to reschedule it for you. Please do give us 24 hour advance notice of a working day to cancel or reschedule. *Please note that Sunday does not count as a working day and the deadline for receiving Saturday cancellations is 5:00pm. No Show Policy A “No Show” is someone who is not present at the time of their scheduled appointment and has not provided adequate notification. We understand that emergencies may occur, however, when you do not call to cancel an appointment, you are preventing another patient from getting much needed treatment. Charge for Late Cancellations and No Show’s Failure to give 24 hour advance cancellation of a working day* or being a “No Show” will result in a non-refundable administrative charge of the full cost of treatment. *Please note that Sunday does not count as a working day and the deadline for receiving Saturday cancellations is 5:00pm. This applies to verbally booked appointments as well as those booked online. Part of our policy and terms is that you agree to have your card details held on file. Your account will automatically be charged if you fail to notify us before the 24 hour period for your appointment. For those who are seeing us via private healthcare, your fee will not be covered by your insurance company. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please ask our staff and we will be glad to clarify your questions. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. By booking with Bodylogics you are doing so on the understanding that you have read our cancellation policy.
-
How does "Sports Massage" differ from a “normal” massage?"If you’ve been to a spa or a beautician before, chances are you’ll have had more of a general relaxation massage. These are superficial treatments, with much lighter, gentle, sweeping techniques. These massages can be great in terms of calming your nervous system, lowering anxiety levels and relaxing you, but they aren’t designed to address any major tension or other underlying problems. A Sports and Remedial Massage practitioner will identify problem areas and then go about treating them to relieve any pain and discomfort and aim to restore proper function to the muscles and joints. Relaxation massages tend to be less 'specific' than Sports and Remedial Massage treatments in attention to 'niggly' aches and pains. They often treat the whole body and tend to be focused on relaxation and mindfulness, rather than concentrating on specific problem areas of discomfort you may be experiencing, and working through them thoroughly. That's not to say Sports Massage treatments can't be relaxing! We will discuss your aim of treatment before I begin working practically, and I will always work to a pressure that is comfortable for you.
-
I don’t do any sport! Is this for me?Absolutely! Massage is for so much more than just relaxation and I firmly believe that anyone can benefit from targeted Sports and Remedial Massage. The sorts of "non-sporty" issues I regularly treat include: Lower back pain Sciatica Shoulder and back tension Discomfort due to poor posture Back/neck pain Headaches and migraines Sore, stiff necks Reduced joint mobility and ROM (Range of Motion) Lack of muscular flexibility Plantar fasciitis Limited ankle mobility Tight calves Repetitive strain injury in the wrist joint and forearm muscles Sore hips/gluteal muscles from excessive sitting/sedentary positioning Frozen shoulder Stress Anxiety, Depression, and other mental health conditions Insomnia Chronic pain conditions such as M.E, Fibromyalgia, and M.S And more...! All of which can be caused by being chained to a desk/PC at work all day, driving/commuting, excessive sitting, repetitive physical labour such as gardening or building work, poor posture and standing habits, or even just the way you lay in bed. One of the benefits of massage is that it “lowers your reticular alarm system.” In other words, massage reduces your stress levels and calms the sympathetic nervous system, which is often high-strung due to super-busy schedules and other life stressors. Muscle tension is a common side effect of stress because your muscles contract when your fight or flight system is triggered. Over time, this can cause tension build up within your muscles which can lead to aches, pains, discomfort, tension headaches, migraines, restricted movement, trouble with mobility/flexibility, and more. It's natural to feel stressed at times and in short bursts it can be a positive thing which helps keep us alert and focused. But long-term stress can seriously affect our mood and behaviour, trigger or exacerbate mental health issues, and it can also damage our physical health too. The long-term effects of stress can be detrimental to our bodies and our health and can even lead to serious medical complications. Read more about this here. Besides chilling you out and reducing your stress levels, a proper Sports Massage is also like a "spring cleaning" for your muscles. When muscles are tired, they grab onto and rely on other muscles around them for support. Over the long term, the muscle groups shorten and 'stick' together, hardening and losing their ability to function properly. A Sports and Remedial Massage therapist works to knead out knots, stretch and 'iron out' these areas of tension build up in the musculoskeletal system and isolate muscles from one another, which brings back range of motion — you know, that “Wow, my shoulders are freeeeeee!” feeling that comes once you roll yourself off the massage table an hour later. Add to this the potential to reduce muscle spasms, help with depression, anxiety and insomnia, lower inflammation in muscles damaged by exercise, and it’s clear there’s much more to massage than just "ahhhh, relax'.
-
What happens during an appointment?If it is your first session with me I will go through a full health history information sheet and medical questionnaire to gain an understanding of any previous injuries and your medical history. (This is now done online via an online consultation form BEFORE you attend your appointment.) If you are a returning client, you must fill in a "follow-up" form. (Now also done online via an online consultation form prior to your appointment.) The forms will ask you why you have booked in for treatment, and will also ask you about any areas that are causing you discomfort, and which areas need treating. When you arrive to your appointment I will undertake a quick postural assessment, and decide on a treatment plan for the session that we both agree with (which areas need the most work, pressure, different techniques etc.) If you are struggling with restricted or impaired movement, I may ask you to perform some functional mobility and/or strength movements in order to get a better idea of your pain patterns/any areas of weakness which may be contributing to your aches and discomfort. Don't worry - none of this is painful or scary, and everything is completely confidential! You will then be given some privacy to get changed and lay on the treatment table, before starting treatment. I will always begin with a lighter pressure at first to warm your muscles and soft tissue, and I will gradually apply more pressure (within your comfort) throughout the session. I have plenty of towels to keep you warm, comfortable, and covered up throughout your appointment. Although these are Sports Massage sessions, I will be playing calming music, and ensure there is soft lighting throughout the session in order to help calm your CNS (Central Nervous System) which will help you gain the maximum benefit from your massage. At the end of the session, depending on your needs we may go through some stretches and/or strength exercises for you to work on at home. If you are not suffering with any pain or injuries and have purely come in to relax and unwind and get your shoulders/back/neck loosened - do let me know and I will try my best to make your experience less "clinical" and more mellow and relaxing. Please note, due to Covid-19 I unfortunately can no longer offer you a glass of water and/or a warm cup of herbal tea after your treatment, so please bring your own water bottle with you.
-
Do I need to bring anything with me?- CONSULTATION FORM: 24 hours before your scheduled appointment, you will receive a reminder email with payment details and a link to an online consultation form for you to fill in prior to your appointment. I highly recommend filling this out as soon as possible, to ensure that you get enough time to thoroughly discuss any areas of current discomfort/injury you may be experiencing, your reasons for booking in, assessing your site of pain, and discussing what you are hoping to get out of the treatment. Please note, the consultation form needs to be filled out BEFORE you attend your appointment. If you arrive having not completed the online consultation form, I cannot let you into my treatment room until this has been submitted, which may eat into your treatment time. If you have any difficulties filling out the form, please let me know on this email address, and I will make sure to do a Zoom video call, or a phone call with you instead. PAYMENT: Please make payment as soon as possible after booking in order to secure your appointment. If you can't do an online bank transfer, I do also accept cash or card payments on the day of your appointment. My home studio is a cosy log cabin which s located in the front garden and completely separate from my family home. Please be aware that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the toilet facilities are currently Please note, due to Covid-19 precautionary measures I unfortunately can no longer offer you a glass of water and/or a warm cup of herbal tea after your treatment. It's important to stay hydrated so I recommend bringing a bottle of water with you to keep you hydrated throughout (and after) the session. I always make sure my studio is a warm and comfortable temperature. I have sufficient heaters, a heated blanket for you to lay on, and plenty of clean towels and blankets! However, if you are a "cold" person, I would recommend bringing a pair of thick socks to wear on your feet, and loose fitting layers that are easy to put on/take off. I have plenty of clean towels to keep you warm and covered up throughout your appointment. However, if you would prefer to bring your own towels, that is absolutely fine. Just send me an email to let me know you plan on doing this, and make sure to bring your clean towels, in a separate bag, away from your personal belongings. I will have calming music playing throughout your session in order to help calm your CNS (Central Nervous System) which will help you gain the maximum benefit from your massage. If you have any of your own music which particularly helps you to relax, which you would prefer I use in your session - feel free to bring it with you to your appointment on an iPod or phone, and I can plug it into my speaker via an Aux cable.
-
Do I have to take my clothes off?Your comfort and dignity is paramount and you will always be covered with towels unless you specify otherwise. It is likely there will be times when it will be necessary for you to remove some items of clothing so I can accurately assess your form/posture, effectively treat any muscle trauma, and compare your strong/weak sides etc. You will always be guaranteed privacy if you're required to remove your own clothing items. Underwear must always remain on. If we are treating the lower body, and you would feel more comfortable bringing a pair of loose shorts to change into, please do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Women wearing bras or sports bras: - please be prepared that you may have to either undo it and lower the straps or remove it altogether if we are working on the back, so that I can have access to sufficiently work across the surface area of the back muscles. Again, your comfort and dignity is my priority and you will always be covered with towels and given privacy when changing, I pride myself on working in a professional manner, and creating a safe and comfortable space for both my clients and myself. Any illicit or sexually suggestive behaviour will result in (a non-refundable) immediate termination of your session. You will be asked to leave immediately and will be blocked from booking in online again.
-
What should I wear?Shorts, or tight fitting leggings, and a t-shirt you can easily move in. This allows me to properly assess your posture. Obviously feel free to pop extra clothes over the top - it's important to keep your muscles warm, particularly after treatment. So a jumper and a pair of warm tracksuit bottoms are ideal to bring with you, particularly in the winter months! If you tend to get chilly, a thick pair of socks to wear during the treatment is also a good idea. Please wear underwear to your appointment, for hygiene reasons. Ladies - if we're working on your back/shouders, please be prepared to either undo your bra and lower the straps, or remove it altogether (you will be covered with towels, and given privacy to change). If you have long hair, please tie it up to keep it out the way - I don't want to accidentally catch it whilst working around your neck/shoulder area!!! The same applies to jewellery - if you're wearing a necklace, dangly earrings, or bracelets - please remove them for your session! This will mean I get better contact with your skin and am in no danger of catching/pulling any items of jewellery. Stud earrings, facial piercings, and belly button rings are all fine to keep in.
-
How long is a typical session?Treatments are either 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 120 minutes (some clients have requested longer!) Depending on how much time you feel you need, and what you want to get out of the session. Please note that 45 minutes should be enough time to treat either the upper OR lower body, not both. If you are a new client, or if you have a few areas that are in need of treatment, I would recommend booking at least 60 minutes to start with to ensure that we get sufficient time to fit it all in. Generally, the longer the session, the more areas I can work on, in more detail, and you are likely to feel more of the benefits as we will have spent more time on your muscles! However, the shorter slots are perfect for regular clients who come in for maintenance. For example, 45 minutes may be sufficient for a runner who just needs their legs and hips worked on, or an office worker who needs a quick top up on their neck and shoulders.
-
When should I book in? And how often?The choice of when to schedule a Sports Massage differs from person to person. The frequency at which you schedule them will vary depending on: The intensity and frequency of your training (or activity which is causing you aches/tension/pain/niggles/discomfort) Your injury history Cost/time allotments. For example, elite athletes may receive a Sports Massage on a near daily basis, especially during the weeks leading to a race or competition, while other less serious athletes (or people suffering with non-sport related aches, pains and niggles) may opt for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly massages. So how often should you ideally get a massage? In an ideal world, Louisa would advise anywhere from twice a month to once every few months for folks who aren’t dealing with aches/niggles. If you're suffering with pain, discomfort, chronic issues or a current injury - you will most likely find more effective pain relief and recovery from more regular sessions. Even athletes who don’t compete at an elite level find that they benefit from increasing the frequency at which they receive a Sports Massage, particularly during the days or weeks leading up to a race or competition. If you are seriously training for a sports event, well-planned maintenance massages scheduled at regular intervals leading up to your event are a good idea. Pre and post-event Sports Massages offer great benefits to recovery, so consider scheduling a Sports Massage the day before and also in the hours following your event in order to give yourself the best chance of minimising injury risk and increasing recovery! Even if you aren't sporty - you ideally shouldn’t wait until you’re sore, stiff, or tense. Most of us consider massage as a form of "pampering" and don’t realise that regular sessions can actually be an important part of "MOT-ing" our bodies, becoming more kinesthetically aware, ironing out areas of tightness, and simply just taking good care of ourselves. If you wait until you’re already injured to seek out a massage therapist, it’s much more difficult to restore your body to health than if you’d been ensuring your tissues were flexible, pliable, and taken care of before the pain or soreness settled in. I personally think of massages as preventive care — no different from going to the dentist to make sure your teeth are in good health, or making sure you exercise on a regular basis to offset your risk of metabolic diseases and other side effects of inactivity. At the end of the day though, it's completely up to you! I can guide and advise you based on your symptoms. However, you must do what feels right for you! I always encourage my clients to try one 60 minute session, and see how your body responds in the 24 hours following treatment. If you've been experiencing aches/pains/niggles (and depending how long they've been building up...) You may find that you could do with another few sessions to work them out and keep on top of it. Or you might feel better after one session! Everyone is different, and everyone responds slightly differently. And as a massage therapist I will never pressure any of my clients to book in, even if I think they really need it. I will never know (or assume) any of my client's financial situations or personal time schedules. I will never assume that you have the time for, or can afford regular sessions. I strongly feel it's very wrong of therapists who try to pressure their clients to book in regularly. In my treatment room there will never be any judgement or pressure. Come when you can and want to. This is one of the reasons why I love having an online booking system, whichhis enables you to book in as and when you feel need me.
-
Can I get a massage whilst pregnant?Yes, as long as you are not in your first trimester. Louisa is trained and certified in Pregnancy Massage, and if you are in your second or third trimester, a Sports & Remedial Massage treatment can really help to relieve tensions due to the extra weight, emotional stress/challenges, and also from the adjustments and changes to postural positioning being placed on your changing body. Pregnancy Massage does not mean rubbing the stomach! Massage on your sore back, neck, shoulders and achy, tired feet can be very soothing to an expectant mother. The tummy can be gently massaged if requested, to soothe your swollen belly and help you bond with your baby, or it can avoided if you don't feel comfortable having your stomach touched. Depending on where your aches and pains are, you may be treated in either a side-lying position, and/or a supine laying position, and supported by lots of cushions to ensure you are comfy!
-
Does Sports Massage hurt?Although I am skilled at finding and reducing your sore and achy areas of tension... I am a Massage Therapist, not a psychic! My only way of 100% ensuring that you are having a great massage with the suitable pressure and detail suitable for you is through feedback. There's no need to have a full conversation, but don’t be shy about speaking up! In my experience, muscles hurt when they are massaged for one of 3 reasons: 1. They’re too tight 2. They have lost their strength, which means the fibres become loose, weak and therefore become strained when trying to cope with excessive load or speed. Or... 3. They’re injured. It sounds strange, but if a muscle is uncomfortable when it’s massaged, it is actually often a good indication that we’re in the right place and treating a muscle that needs it. Having said that, you should finish the session feeling better than you did before it started. I employ a variety of techniques and as a result, it’s not always necessary to use a lot of pressure during the session. Each client I see may respond slightly differently to treatment, depending on what they are coming in for, how long the problem has been going on for, and how painful their symptoms are. It is possible that you may experience a slight discomfort or tenderness if I’m working on a sore and achy problem area. If a particular muscle group is causing you pain or discomfort before you have even come in for treatment, and if it feels uncomfortable without any sort of touch or excessive movement in the first place - then gently applying a little bit of pressure during massage, or gently guiding the body's range of motion into a passive stretch - may feel a little sore or uncomfortable at first, but once the muscle tissue warms up and we start to smooth out the mucle fibres, any tender areas should ease and bring you a sense of relief. However, there is a big difference between "good/relieving pain" and "bad pain", and I always try to communicate with my clients throughout the entire session, (not just in the beginning!) to ensure that I am not using too much (or too little) pressure, and that I am working within your individual comfort and limitations, staying within your pain threshold. Because each individual will respond slightly differently. Anyone who is familiar with using a foam roller should be familiar with the sensations of Sports and Remedial massage! I always begin the treatment working lightly at first to ensure: a) I warm up the muscle and soft tissue beneath the skin b) To get your central nervous system familiar with my touch, and... c) For me to tune in to what the condition of your muscle tissue is like. Then, depending on what I feel is necessary, and how you react to the pressure, I may gently and gradually apply more force to get deeper into the muscle tissue. Over the years I've worked on many different people of all ages and sizes, with different activity levels, occupations, and hobbies. My experience has grown, and tuning in to the body's signals regarding pressure changes has become second nature to me. However, no two bodies are the same! Even if you are a regular client - depending on what you have been doing (or not doing!) outside the clinic can affect how much/little pressure you might need: Activity and movement levels Emotional stress Diet Illness Injury Hormones Menopause Menstrual cycles How hydrated you are Or even how much sleep you've had lately Can all affect how our bodies can respond differently between sessions. Therefore I always verbally communicate regarding pressure and make it absolutely clear that if at any point you wish for less (or more) pressure, or if you want me to stop at any point - please don't be afraid to tell me! There is never any judgement in my treatment room, and I am always grateful for feedback. Communication plays a massive part in my treatments, and Sports and Remedial sessions should ultimately feel soothing and relieving. So, iIf something is feeling particularly sore, do let me know! Even if we are working on a tender, problematic area, my main priority is that you are comfortable. We can always use a lighter pressure, or move onto the next area to give the muscle fibres a bit of a break, and return back to it later on in the session.
-
Are there any risks?The session should be a pleasant, helpful experience and I’ll work with you at a pressure and pace that’s comfortable for you. You’ll need to make me aware of any illnesses and conditions you might have as this may mean I need to avoid certain techniques. It’s usually possible to work around any limitations though. You’ll need to fill in a medical questionnaire before you receive any treatment via the online consultation forms. If you are unsure, please read Contraindications to Massage Therapy. If you're still unsure, check with your Doctor/GP prior to booking a massage.
-
Will I experience any side effects after massage?If your muscles are very stiff, it is possible to feel a bit sore after a deep tissue massage. If you do feel a little bit tender the next day - this usually this is a good indication that we've found the right spots and have been working in the right places! However, nothing is for everyone. Deep Tissue massage is tough, and gives the muscles a thorough workout, treating reluctant muscles to a much-needed "ironing out" through massaging action. Spasms in the muscles are painful. This might make a person want to find any form of relief available, however, proceed carefully with any form of pressure on an injury.
-
I have some health conditions, does this mean I can’t be treated?"It depends what it is. If you are unsure, please read Contraindications to Massage. If you have any concerns about existing health conditions then please do get in touch by emailing me at louisasportsmassage@gmail.com and we can talk through these. Each massage is tailored to the individual, and there are many conditions that Sports, Remedial & Deep Tissue Massage can hugely help with. However, there are a number of conditions that I need to know about before starting treatment, primarily as a precaution, and therefore ask every client to fill out a medical questionnaire prior to your appointment. Those suffering from blood clots or thrombosis may find the deep tissue massage a danger to their health - since the process has the ability to move fluids, that in this circumstance, might lodge itself in the skeletal tissue. Likewise,anyone experiencing surgery Rash or other infections, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, or any blood-related illness. Blood thinner Bleeding disorders Cancer I am fully certified in Pregnancy Massage, and can therefore ease the aches and pains that develop from a woman's ever-changing posture and the stress that the extra weight and shift can cause on her muscles. However, due to heightened senses, this would be a much more gentle, soothing treatment than a typical Sports/Deep Tissue. Please note, I never work on pregnant women in their first trimester. And I always ask that you get consent from your Nurse/Doctor. Deep tissue may not be the best thing for people with sensitivity to pressure, weak bones, or those subject to bruising. Furthermore, those suffering from fractures, sores, abdominal hernias, or tumours should avoid deep tissue massage. Like all procedures involving the body, if you have any concerns - consulting your doctor/physician is strongly advised. If you have any medical conditions that you feel I need to be aware of before we meet, please let me know. If you feel uncertain or have any worries, please check with your GP before booking in.
-
Will I need to bring any information with me to complete the forms?The form covers medical conditions, previous operations/injuries etc. It also covers your occupation, well as any sports or activities you partake in regularly so I can get an understanding of what your lifestyle and physical habits are outside of the clinic. I do ask for your contact details, and the name of your GP surgery. It’s handy to bring a list of medications you’re on if there are too many to remember!
-
I’m not injured, will Sports or Remedial massage do me any good?"Yes! Your muscles will definitely thank you! Especially if they're in need of a little TLC. Sports and remedial massage aims to prevent you from getting injured, by keeping you in tip top condition. It improves your circulation, irons out areas of tightness, and highlights problem areas or imbalances that you may not even be aware of! It's great for maintenance, keeping your muscles in check, and catching any 'niggles' before they turn into injuries. The benefits aren't just physical either; Sports & Remedial massage can help hugely to reduce stress levels and improve your mental state of mind. It can even help improve your quality of sleep! Even if you don't think you have any areas of tightness, or you don't think you 'need' any treatment - I can guarantee I would find a few sore spots that you didn't even know were there! I never follow any sort of routine; each session is tailored to that individuals own needs, and guided by your movement patterns and what I'm feeling underneath the skin. Even if you aren't suffering from a specific issue, niggle, or injury, you can definitely still benefit. I have lost count of the amount of clients that say: "Wow, I didn't know that muscle group was tight until you worked on it!" Which just goes to show how many of us are walking around daily with tight, clumped up muscle tissue that can pull on our joints and limit our range of motion, and therefore restrict our daily movement. I am always saying to my clients that "prevention is so much better than cure". We only get one body, so we ought to look after it. Our future selves will thank us! Even if you aren't currently suffering with any aches and pains, or even if you're not particularly active/sporty - a shoulder, back and neck massage is excellent at releasing the tension most of us carry in that area, and can be a huge help to people suffering with: - Headaches - Anxiety - Depression - High levels of stress - Chronic fatigue - Fibromyalgia - Insomnia - Poor circulation - and so many more. People often let aches and pains go on for years thinking that it’s "just what happens as you get older." But left untreated, these can get worse, not better and usually lead to pain and imbalances elsewhere in the body. It’s far easier to sort these niggles out if they’re addressed early. Prevention really is better than cure! Sports and remedial massage techniques are also commonly used for pre & post sporting events in order to warm up the muscular tissue effectively (assisting with your own warm-up - not to act as a replacement!) to help prevent injury, encourage maximum performance, and to help athletes recover after intense physical activity.
-
Do you use oils? Will I be all “sticky” afterwards?I primarily use a water-based emollient (oil in a cream) rather than pure oil. This lubricates the skin and allows me to work effectively, but soaks in like a body lotion, so you won’t feel sticky at the end of the session. The brand I use is very neutral, and has no nasty colourings or chemicals entering the system via the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin or those prone to Eczema or Psoriasis. It is neutrally scented and contains Vitamin E and a hint of Aloe Vera. If you don't have sensitive skin, or any allergies that may irritate your skin, I do also have a few other scents.
-
How much will it cost?120 minutes (2 hours) -------------- £80 90 minutes (1.5 hours) ----------- £60 60 minutes (1 hour) --------------- £40 45 minutes (45 mins) ------------- £30 For Sussex University student and staff discounts, see Prices.
-
Do you do home visits?No, I only see clients at the University Sports Centre, or at my home studio in Kingston, Lewes. The only exception is if you are an existing client, and you have an injury that impairs your ability to walk or drive! There would be an additional cost to cover fuel/travel time costs.
-
How many sessions will I need?It’s always tricky when I get asked this question as there is no "one answer fits all". This is because it varies on the individual. Each person and their individual cases are all very different and are often caused by a variety of different factors. No two clients are the same! I always tell my clients to wait 24 hours and see how they feel after the session - see how your body responds. It goes without saying that more sessions you have, the more thoroughly and regularly we can work. Which results in a healthier condition of your muscle tissue, and a better awareness of your anatomy (the more aware of your body you will start to feel) - as we often pick up 'niggles' that people didn't even know they had. Many clients book in for a maintenance massage every couple of weeks.. Others only come to me when they are in discomfort or have picked up an injury. To keep you at the peak of helth a maintenance massage is advised every 4-6 weeks dependant on your level of activity. Think about your body here. The more work-out sessions you do at the gym - generally the stronger and fitter you will be. It's the same process with Sports Massage! The more sessions you have, the more flexible and mobile you're likely to be, and therefore you'll feel less achy and 'tight'. BUT, you wouldn't just do one session at the gym, and expect to have a six-pack afterwards, or loose 5lbs overnight! The body is a complex system and it can take more than one session to change, heal, and repair. I have had many clients see their symptoms reduce significantly after just one session with me. But, again, my clients are so hugely different; training for different things, different jobs, different lifestyles, different diets, different builds/heights/weights - and all doing DIFFERENT activities. And therefore, a range of different symptoms. So what works for one individual, won't necessarily be the same for another! The amount of sessions you may need also hugely depends on what you are doing when you leave my clinic and go back to your daily life and habits. You may spend 30 or 60 minutes with me concentrating on your areas of weakness or discomfort, your form, and paying attention to your posture and how you stand etc. But, if you walk out my door and continue to spend 8 hours a day hunching over a computer, and then 'forgetting' to stretch out your neck, back, and hips later that day... Or if you continue to 'slump' into one hip whilst waiting for the bus.... Or if you continue to lift weights with improper form in the gym... your recovery is likely to be a lot slower, if at all. I encourage clients to become more kinesthetically aware of their bodies and encourage them to work with me outside of my treatment room in their daily life, as well as inside the clinic with me, which should get you maximum benefit out of our sessions. I have had many clients thank me for "fixing" them as they have seen their symptoms reduce significantly after just one session. However, depending on how serious your problem is, and how long you've been suffering with it, you may need a few more sessions as it may take longer to 'undo'. The body is an incredibly complex, intelligent system, and in my experience you can assist and enhance in the healing process, but you can't rush the body. Working with it's own recovery and repairing process can take time and patience. You wouldn't go to the gym for just one training session and immediately expect to lose a stone or get a six-pack.. A cut wound or a broken bone doesn't miraculously heal overnight, however many medical professionals you see. Nor would you expect to be able to do a handstand, or the splits after just one flexibility or strength session. It's the same with sports and remedial treatments. It's very unrealistic that all your symptoms that may have been building up for years and years, will be magically 'gone' in just one session. You can't rush the body, however, you can assist it and make sure it's on the right track. I can pinpoint areas that need attention, work through those areas, and give you an indication of how many treatments you will need, as well as exercises to do at home between sessions, which will help to speed up the process.
-
What type of massage do you do?I am fully qualified in Sports, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage. My massage style incorporates a range of techniques to target and relieve sore areas of muscular tightness, tension and/or restricted movements. Treatments generally involve a deeper pressure than a regular relaxation massage, however I will always work to a pressure that is comfortable for you and allows your muscles to relax. I am also experienced in Pre-Event and Post-Event Sports Massage and have experience working in several health clinics and at many sporting events across Europe. Please see the rest of my website for more information about me, what I do, and what to expect during a session. Please note that any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances made during treatment or via email/phone/contact form - will result in an immediate and non-refundable termination of the session, and contact details will be blocked and reported.
-
Are there toilets or changing facilities?Enter your answer here
-
What about parking?There is plenty of parking outside my home clinic. We are fortunate to have a large driveway which you are welcome to park in, and no parking restrictions but please be mindful of other residents who live nearby and please do not park over anyone’s drive.
-
Can people come into the treatment with me?Of course. As long as they are not ill, or displaying symptoms of illness - and I ask that they wear a mask if at all possible. I treat people who require carers to be with them and also parents with young children who are unable to get childcare for their appointment, so I have have extra seating available in the treatment room and power points for devices to be plugged into. I also have additional seating outside during the summertime that people are free to use.
-
How old do you need to be to have a massage?You can be any age to receive a massage treatment here with us at Louisa Sports, Remedial & Deep Tissue Massage Therapy. Clients ranging from young children through to the very elderly visit us regularly. Massage is suitable for everyone, although be mindful that a lighter pressure will be used for children and elderly patients. Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
-
What do I need to wear?You don’t need to wear anything specific to your appointment, as massage is performed directly on your skin with lotion or oils, not over clothing. We do however require that underpants be worn for all treatments. If you aren’t wearing underwear treatment will be refused. We suggest wearing loose fitting clothing which is easy and quick to change in and out of. If you are suffering with an injury, it is usually a good idea to bring a pair of shorts and/or a vest top with you - so I can get a better view of your posture, form, and movement. However, your privacy is important and when you are on the treatment table, your therapist will use draping techniques to respect your privacy at all times.
-
Is it safe to have a massage while pregnant?Louisa is fully trained and qualified in Pregnancy Massage. Yes it is safe to have massage treatment at any stage of your pregnancy. However, Louisa will only work on pregnant ladies once they have passed their first trimester. Some essential oils are not safe for use while pregnant, and Louisa is also mindful of certain scents making pregnant ladies feel headachy and nauseous. So a plain, unscented oil is always used. We also have plenty of cushions and pillows to ensure you are comfortable on your side and supported where needed.
Everything you need to know...
To help make your experience run easier and smoother, Louisa has put together a series of frequently asked questions to ensure that you get the most out of your treatment. If you have any other questions which aren't covered here then please feel free to get in touch and Louisa will be happy to answer anything you wish to know.
If you have any questions that have not been covered here or if you have any other queries,
please do get in touch. See my Contact page.
bottom of page